Top Outdoor Stories from 2015

Sunlight through Spanish moss
equals scenic splendor

The outdoors blueprint for 2015 in the Lowcountry looked familiar to many, even if the weather served to camouflage our normal seasonal patterns. The year got off to a howling start when Edisto Swamp Squeaky won the Coon hunting contest at the Grand American, and a patriotic deer hunt in the ACE Basin served to bookend the year. The two most prominent storylines involve offshore fishing out of the Marina at Edisto Beach and the historic changes affecting deer season bag limits. 

Readers can recall my field trip with a trapper looking for beavers and coyotes got us started in February, before a trip to the Bassmaster Classic later that month saw S.C. native son Casey Ashley beat the competition up at Lake Hartwell. March saw S.C. Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers come to town to discuss agribusiness and programs like Fresh On the Menu and Certified S.C. Grown, which both play a role at local restaurants.

I can’t wait to begin the New Year coverage beginning with the coon dogs returning to the Orangeburg Fairgrounds on January 7 - 9.  And I look forward to another edition of the Southeastern Wildlife Expo coming February 12 - 14.  Sporting events are also in focus in Spring including Charleston Race Week, Volvo Cars Open and the RBC Heritage. Wherever the trail leads, I’ll try to bring the story to any outdoor enthusiasts who want to follow.

To view this feature article in the Colletonian click here.

For the best travel stories of 2015 click on Little St. Simon's Island - SouthWest Florida - Alabama Black Belt - N.C. Brunswick Islands - Jensen Beach, Florida

To view the latest Lowcountry Saltwater Fishing Report click here.

To view the latest Field Notes and Photos click here.

To view the latest Birding Journal Observations click here.